Thought Leadership
Design for Additive Manufacturing: 10 Rules to Avoid Print Failures
Essential design guidelines for engineers new to 3D printing, covering wall thickness, overhangs, and tolerances.
📖 12 min read📅 February 5, 2024DFAM
Traditional CAD models designed for CNC often fail when sent directly to 3D printers.
Wall Thickness and Geometry
Maintain minimum wall thickness of 0.8mm for FDM, 0.4mm for SLA, 0.7mm for SLS.
Tolerances and Fit
Add 0.2-0.4mm clearance for FDM snap-fits, 0.1-0.2mm for SLA/SLS.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Minimum walls vary by technology
- ✓Account for material shrinkage
- ✓Orient parts to minimize supports
